Apparatus and method to measure cable tension
First Claim
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1. A portable apparatus for use with a portable computer in measuring the tension of a stressed cable, the apparatus comprising:
- a. two clamps, wherein each clamp comprises two clamping members pivotally joined and capable of being actuated into an open and closed position by a distal actuator, the pivot further comprising a first torsion spring biased to retain the clamping members in a closed position except when the distal actuator is actuated, and the proximal ends of the two clamping members, when in the closed position, defining at least one interior space sized to receive the stressed cable;
b. a circuit board connected to the clamps and comprising;
i. an accelerometer for measuring the transverse acceleration of the stressed cable;
ii. a converter for receiving the transverse acceleration data of the stressed cable and converting it into an analog signal based on variations in voltage; and
iii. a circuit that receives the analog signal from the converter and is capable of transmitting said analog signal; and
c. a portable power source, such as a battery or a photo cell.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring tension in a stressed cable wherein the apparatus comprises two clamps, a circuit board and a power source. A transverse acceleration is generated in the stressed cable which is measured by an accelerometer in the apparatus, converted into an analog signal and transmitted to a portable computer programmed with software to calculate the cable tension from the fundamental period of vibration.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A portable apparatus for use with a portable computer in measuring the tension of a stressed cable, the apparatus comprising:
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a. two clamps, wherein each clamp comprises two clamping members pivotally joined and capable of being actuated into an open and closed position by a distal actuator, the pivot further comprising a first torsion spring biased to retain the clamping members in a closed position except when the distal actuator is actuated, and the proximal ends of the two clamping members, when in the closed position, defining at least one interior space sized to receive the stressed cable;
b. a circuit board connected to the clamps and comprising;
i. an accelerometer for measuring the transverse acceleration of the stressed cable;
ii. a converter for receiving the transverse acceleration data of the stressed cable and converting it into an analog signal based on variations in voltage; and
iii. a circuit that receives the analog signal from the converter and is capable of transmitting said analog signal; and
c. a portable power source, such as a battery or a photo cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for measuring the tension of a stressed cable comprising the steps of:
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a. attaching a portable apparatus to the stressed cable;
b. generating transverse acceleration of the stressed cable;
c. sensing and recording the transverse acceleration of the stressed cable;
d. converting the transverse acceleration of the stressed cable into an analog signal defined by variations in voltage output;
e. transmitting the analog signal to a portable computer, said portable computer programmed with software to receive, analyze and store the analog signal;
f. calculating the value of the tension of the stressed cable from the analog signal. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification